SSC CGL 2026 Answer Key has been officially released on the official portal at ssc.gov.in by the Staff Selection Commission. Candidates who took the Combined Graduate Level Tier 1 examination can now log in to view their response sheets and compare their answers with the tentative key. The commission has opened the online objection window, and students who find discrepancies can submit challenges until November 6, 2026. This complete guide walks you through the step-by-step download process, the objection submission steps, fee requirements, and the exact marking formula to calculate your score accurately.
Latest Update Date — Verified on November 4, 2026: The Staff Selection Commission has activated the tentative answer key and individual response sheet link for the CGL Tier 1 exam on ssc.gov.in. The objection link is active until November 6, 2026 (6:00 PM). Candidates must pay a non-refundable challenge fee of Rs 100 per question challenged.
SSC CGL 2026 Answer Key Important Dates and Highlights
The Staff Selection Commission follows a strict schedule for publishing tentative answers, collecting feedback, and closing candidate challenges. The official SSC CGL 2026 Answer Key is provisional, which means candidates have the right to challenge any official answer. Keep these confirmed dates noted so you do not miss the deadline:
| Event Detail | Official Schedule and Status |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026 (Tier 1) |
| Conducting Authority | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Answer Key Release Status | Tentative Key and Response Sheets Released |
| Objection Window Start Date | Active Now on ssc.gov.in |
| Objection Window Closing Date | November 6, 2026 (Closes at 6:00 PM Sharp) |
| Challenge Fee per Question | Rs 100 (Non-refundable per challenge) |
| Official Website Link | ssc.gov.in |
| Next Stage of Selection | Evaluation by Subject Experts, Final Key, and Tier 2 Exam |
How to Download SSC CGL 2026 Answer Key and Response Sheet
Downloading your personal response sheet and answer key takes only a few minutes. Reviewing your SSC CGL 2026 Answer Key alongside your response sheet helps you spot any mismatches immediately. Follow these simple steps on your computer or mobile browser:
- Visit the Official Portal: Open your web browser and go to ssc.gov.in.
- Find the Answer Key Notice: Look on the homepage under the Notice Board or click on the Answer Key tab. Click on the notice link for the Combined Graduate Level Examination (Tier-I) 2026.
- Open the Login Link: Read the official notification PDF and click on the direct link given at the bottom for response sheets.
- Enter Your Credentials: Enter your Roll Number or Registration Number along with your Password (as printed on your Tier 1 admission certificate).
- View and Save: Your question paper, marked options, and the commission’s correct answers will appear on screen. Download and save a PDF copy right away.
Important Note for Candidates: The commission clearly states that candidate response sheets will not be accessible after November 6, 2026. Take a clear printout or save multiple PDF backup copies on your cloud storage today.
How to Submit Objections for SSC CGL 2026 Answer Key
If you find that an answer marked correct by the commission is wrong according to authentic textbooks, you can submit an online objection before November 6, 2026. Here is the step-by-step challenge method:
- Log In to the Challenge Portal: Use your login credentials on the official challenge link available through ssc.gov.in.
- Select the Question: Pick the exact Question ID you wish to challenge.
- Upload Proof: Provide a clear, valid explanation and attach supporting reference documents from government publications or standard textbooks.
- Pay the Fee: Pay the non-refundable fee of Rs 100 for each challenged question using online net banking, UPI, debit card, or credit card.
- Submit and Save Receipt: Complete your submission and keep the payment transaction receipt safely for your records.
How to Calculate Your Marks Using SSC CGL 2026 Answer Key
Calculating your raw score is very straightforward. The Tier 1 exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions worth 200 total marks. Each correct answer earns you 2 marks, while each incorrect answer deducts 0.50 marks. Unattempted questions receive zero marks.
Use this easy formula to find your total score:
Total Raw Score = (Number of Correct Answers × 2) – (Number of Wrong Answers × 0.50)
Here is an everyday student example to show how the math works:
- Student A: Attempted 80 questions. Got 70 correct and 10 wrong.
- Marks from correct answers: 70 × 2 = +140 marks.
- Negative penalty for wrong answers: 10 × 0.50 = -5 marks.
- Final Raw Score: 140 – 5 = 135 marks out of 200.
- Student B: Attempted 90 questions. Got 65 correct and 25 wrong.
- Marks from correct answers: 65 × 2 = +130 marks.
- Negative penalty for wrong answers: 25 × 0.50 = -12.5 marks.
- Final Raw Score: 130 – 12.5 = 117.5 marks out of 200.
This comparison shows why accuracy matters much more than wild guessing. Careless negative marking can quickly pull down your merit standing.
What Happens After SSC CGL 2026 Answer Key Objections Close?
Once the challenge window closes on November 6, 2026, the commission sends all received objections to independent subject matter experts. If a challenge is found valid, the key is corrected for all students who took that shift. Based on the verified answers, the commission prepares the Final Answer Key and the Tier 1 merit cutoff lists.
Candidates who cross the category-wise cutoff marks qualify for the Tier 2 Computer Based Examination. You can check your comparative performance and explore competitive options through our All India College Predictor Hub, or speak with our senior academic mentors by setting up a Book a Free Admission Counselling Session.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About SSC CGL 2026 Answer Key
Q1: Where can I check the SSC CGL 2026 Answer Key?
Answer: You can check and download the answer key along with your response sheet on the official Staff Selection Commission website at ssc.gov.in by logging in with your Roll Number and Password.
Q2: When does the objection window close for the SSC CGL 2026 Answer Key?
Answer: The online objection window closes strictly on November 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM. No challenges will be accepted after this deadline.
Q3: What is the fee to challenge an answer in the SSC CGL 2026 Answer Key?
Answer: Candidates must pay an online non-refundable fee of Rs 100 for each question or answer challenged.
Q4: Can I download my response sheet after November 6, 2026?
Answer: No. The commission disables the login link after the deadline. You must download and print your response sheet before November 6, 2026.
Q5: What is the negative marking in SSC CGL Tier 1?
Answer: Each correct response awards 2 marks, while 0.50 marks are deducted for every wrong answer.
Sources Checked and Editorial Verification
- Staff Selection Commission Official Portal (ssc.gov.in)
- SSC Official Notice on Uploading of Tentative Answer Keys and Response Sheets of CGL 2026
Update Policy: This page will be revised immediately when the counselling authority publishes a new official notification or revised schedule.